Notice — Due to the extreme cold weather conditions, Luminaria: A Winter Garden Story and the Northern Light Dining Experience are cancelled this evening.
Luminaria: A Winter Garden Story
A charming new winter experience is coming to Alberta’s largest botanic garden. Luminaria: A Winter Garden Story is an evening festival, inspired by the atmosphere of alpine holiday markets, where guests of all ages can explore the tastes, sights, sounds and surprises that tell a magical winter story.
The Chalet
Start your journey in our chalet that welcomes you with the scents, sounds and tastes of winter. Alpine-inspired food and drink will warm you up before and after your adventure.
Village Square
This is the heart of the festival where guests gather to eat, drink and be together. Under a canopy of festive lights, guests of all ages will be entertained as they enjoy seasonal treats in a beer-garden-style plaza.
The Woodland Express
Our winter train takes guests on a ride through the forest, giving them a sneak peek of the action in Sprites Hollow, home to the playful snow sprites. Firepits and seating make cozy train stations at both ends of the trail.
Luminaria
The Kurimoto Japanese Garden will host our traditional Luminaria event, with candles lighting the pathways and Memory Lane open for guests to light a candle in honour of a loved one. This is a peaceful space for guests looking for a beautiful, quiet winter walk.
Winter Queen’s Royal Garden
The Winter Queen has arrived to protect the Garden during its deep winter slumber. She has given us special permission to allow guests to sit in her sleigh for a photo. Can you feel the magic?
Meanwhile, the royal garden is an interactive space for all ages.
Sprites Hollow
This is the snow sprites’ home where they play and help children make wishes.
Alpine Garden
The Alpine Garden is where tiny wooden cabins line the hills and animals graze nearby. It’s a photo-worthy winter diorama.
Book Tickets
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!
Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets are non-refundable. Dates may be transferred up to 24 hours in advance, subject to availability. The Garden is a snow or shine, outdoor facility. Please dress for the weather.
Luminaria: A Winter Garden Story is an outdoor winter event, although there is limited seating inside The Chalet. Tickets are non-refundable. If the weather is cold, we recommend you dress warmly, enjoy a hot drink and warm up by the fire.
If there is a severe weather warning issued by Environment Canada or the temperature drops below a certain threshold we may cancel the evening's activities. We will post information on our website and notify you by email. Please check this website for the most current updates.
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is located in Parkland County, only 15 minutes from SW Edmonton (five kilometres north of Devon on Highway 60). We are not located on the University of Alberta campus.
This season, we are not able to offer any off-site shuttles. The only way to get to the Garden is by car. Parking is free at the Garden. Note: At the Garden, there will be a short shuttle from overflow parking to the gate.
Please plan to arrive within the half-hour entry time you have reserved. Your entry time is displayed at the bottom of your confirmation email.
Beverages, snacks and hot food is available for purchase at the licensed Patio Cafe. Complimentary hot apple cider will also be available.
While all areas of the event are accessible by paved pathway, accessibility will depend on weather conditions. Luminaria is an outdoor event and subject to winter weather conditions, which might include freezing rain, compacted snow etc. Visitors should be aware there are some areas with grades where assistance is recommended for wheelchairs. Loaner wheelchairs are available in limited quantities.
Coupons and passes are not eligible for the Luminaria event. Friends of the Garden members and annual passholders receive a reduced admission rate.
Sorry, with the exception of certified service animals, pets are not permitted at the Garden.
Luminaria is an outdoor winter experience. To maximize your enjoyment, please dress for winter conditions. You'll be glad you wore your warm coat, mittens, hat and boots!
As Luminaria is a very popular experience, we are not able to accommodate any photo bookings.
For more information, contact uabg.info@ualberta.ca or 780-492-3267.